Ipswich man strikes gold at Gem and Mineral Show

ONE lucky man walked away with a handcrafted nine-carat gold ring and hundreds of others witnessed the effort that goes into cutting stones and gems at the annual Ipswich Gem and Mineral Show.

About 650 people attended the event on Saturday and Ipswich Lapidary Club treasurer Brian Parker said some had shown an interest in taking up the hobby after seeing the jewellery and gems on show. The club hosts the event each year to raise funds and attract new club members.

Mr Parker said the event's top raffle prize, a gold ring crafted by the club's members, was won by an Ipswich man.